Skip to main content

Log in links for this page

Securing your EBT Card

Always protect your EBT card. Do not share your PIN with anyone and beware of Fraud

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

Care for your Card

Treat your card like money or credit card. Keep it in a safe place

For example-

  • Your wallet
  • A card holder when you’re not using it,
  • Instead of loose in your bag or pocket.
  • Coins could scratch and damage the magnetic strip
  • Keep your PIN a secret, never share your PIN or write it down
  • Don’t bend it
  • Don’t put your card near any magnets, or other electronic devices even the magnetic clasp on a purse or wallet
  • Check your balance and transaction history often for unauthorized charges.
  • If a transaction is unexpectedly declined or a user receives an error code, contact the EBT Customer Services Helpline to verify the transactions on the account
  • You can also check your balance by accessing your DTAConnect Mobile App

Protect Your PIN

  • It is very important to protect your PIN to avoid unauthorized use.
  • Always keep your PIN secret.
  • Never write your PIN on your card.
  • Do not keep your PIN in your wallet or with your EBT card.
  • Do not let anyone see you enter your PIN. This includes the store clerk.
  • Change your PIN frequently - You may change your PIN as often as you’d like.
  • Never give anyone your card, card number, or PIN. If someone has your card or card information and knows your PIN, they can use ALL of your benefits.
  • DTA staff will NEVER contact you for your PIN

Additional Resources

Open file,  Protect your Benefits

EBT Card Skimming

Skimming is a type of theft.

  • Thieves put an overlay on a store’s card-swiping machine to copy EBT, credit and debit card information. The information is then used to make fake EBT card, debit or credit cards. The fake cards are called clones. Cloned cards are used to steal money from real accounts.
  • Inspect the atm or card machine before you insert your card for an overlay or unusual additions
  • Check if the machine has any glue or damaged part and be ware/cautious of any hidden cameras

 

Call the customer service line to review balance, last 10 transactions or with any questions

Restore Expired Benefits

When do benefits expire?

DTA benefits roll over month to month.

  • Cash benefits not used for 90 days or more expire and are removed from your EBT card. 
  • SNAP benefits will not be removed from your card if you use your benefits any time within 274 days.
    • If you don't use any SNAP benefits for 274 days, benefits that are 274 days old or older will be removed from your EBT card.
    • DTA will send you a notice 30 days before any benefits may be expunged from your card. 

Request to restore expired cash benefits.

In certain circumstances expired cash benefits can be replaced if you request a restoration within 6 months of the expiration date. After 6 months of the expiration date, the cash benefits are permanently unavailable and cannot be restored.

Call your case manager to request to have your expired cash benefits restored.

Request to restore expired SNAP benefits.

While you always have the right to request restoration of expired SNAP benefits, expired SNAP benefits cannot be restored unless they expired in error (e.g., prior to 274 days).

Call (877) 382-2363 to request to restore your expired SNAP benefits

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback